Bayhawks stave off Outlaws comeback for 12-9 victory

ANNAPOLIS – The Chesapeake Bayhawks were looking to tie the Denver Outlaws for first place in the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) standings during their meeting at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Aug 10.

August 10, 2019: Bayhawks attack Lyle Thompson (4) looks for room to operate during a MLL lacrosse matchup between the Chesapeake Bayhawks and the Denver Outlaws held at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD. Photo by Michael R. Smith/The Prince George’s Sentinel.

Despite the Bayhawks’ leading 10-3 early in the third quarter, the Outlaws eventually cut the deficit to two points in the fourth. Nevertheless, a couple more goals, including a hat trick from attackman Lyle Thompson, sealed it for Chesapeake in a 12-9 home victory.

The first quarter was tight between the two MLL squads, as a result of multiple turnovers and shots on goal, with the Bayhawks leading 3-2 by the end of that quarter.

However, the second quarter was a much different story, as Chesapeake (7-3) went on a six-goal run with six different goalscorers to finish the half leading Denver by a score of 9-2. Attacker/Midfielder Colin Heacock scored two consecutive goals as part of the Bayhawks’ scoring streak.

As they held a seven-goal lead in the third, the Bayhawks could not hold their large advantage for long because the visiting Outlaws (6-4) began to find their groove. Denver scored four unanswered goals, including a two-point goal by defenseman Brandon Jones. The visitors continued to get closer and took advantage of their 23-of-24 faceoffs won to build their comeback.

August 10, 2019: Bayhawks midfielder Shane Simpson (44) takes a shot and scores during a MLL lacrosse matchup between the Chesapeake Bayhawks and the Denver Outlaws held at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Photo by Michael R. Smith/The Prince George’s Sentinel.

Denver cut their deficit down to 10-8 early in the fourth, but Chesapeake was still able to add two more tallies for the victory. Attackman Steele Stanwick scored his second goal of the evening with 10:24 remaining in the game while Thompson completed his hat trick with his fifth shot attempt. The Onondaga Nation native added two assists to his performance to finish with five points.

Isaiah Davis-Allen, Andrew Kew, Shane Simpson, Brendan Bomberry and John Wagner found the net at least once for Chesapeake on Saturday night. In net, goalie Niko Amato faced 22 shots on goal and made 14 saves. Jack Jasinski led the Outlaws with two goals in the evening.

The Bayhawks picked up more ground balls than the Outlaws (50-24) and outshot the visitors 25-22.

With the win, Chesapeake climbs back into first place, leapfrogging a three-team tie for second. They will host Boston Cannons on Aug. 17.